Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

To: DuncanWaring

I buy seeds at a discount each fall, and almost always have some left overs from the spring order. They all germinate very well, and I don’t even try to do much of anything to preserve viability.

I just throw them in a zip bag, with the date, and throw them in a card board box on a shelf in the basement where they don’t get wet.


11 posted on 08/26/2016 4:23:14 PM PDT by greeneyes
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies ]


To: greeneyes; DuncanWaring
greeneyes :" I just throw them in a zip bag, with the date, and throw them in a card board box on a shelf in the basement where they don’t get wet."

Keeping viable seed from year to year is fairly easy if you keep them in a dry, fairly stable cool temperature, and away from sunlight
A basement generally meets these requirements.
As was stated , just make sure they are stored after they are absolutely dry, or they will mold.
Always conduct a germination test on saved seed, unless recommended only to direct seed;
your garden productivity may depend on it, as frequently crop loss timing does not allow for optimum re-seeding.

Two websites about seed longevity for information:
Life Expectancy of Vegetable Seeds Chart ( Iowa State University)
www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1999/4-2-1999/veggielife.html

Seedman.com (info on storage,germination, # of seeds per ounce, and chart of seed longevity)
www.seedman.com/veggerm.htm

23 posted on 08/26/2016 6:44:07 PM PDT by Tilted Irish Kilt ( British historian Arnold Toynbee - Civilisations die from suicide, not by murder.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson